Last summer's concert series is one of many reasons Batavia Downs has been able to grow revenue and remain competitive in a saturated gaming market, said Henry Wojtaszek, president of Western OTB, and Mike Nolan, CEO, today at a press conference announcing an eight-show lineup for this season.
"We offer a lot of different things," Nolan said. "We have our own little niche here."
Wojtaszek said the key is offering options for customers and when you get them in the door, treating them right.
"That includes entertainment, it includes better food, it includes a cigar lounge, and frankly, just provide the best customer service," Wojtaszek said. "We like to think that’s why we’re growing. That’s what we like to concentrate on. Our focus is on providing excellent customer service."
The eight shows announced for this summer:
- Eddie Money, June 22
- Grand Funk Railroad, June 29
- Blue Oyster Cult, July 6
- Rik Emmett of the Band Triumph along with Carl Dixon of Coney Hatch, July 13
- Rumours, a Fleetwood Mac Tribute, July 20th
- Puddle of Mudd, July 27
- Three Dog Night, Aug. 3
- Lee Ann Womack, Aug. 10.
Wojtaszek said the concert series went so well last year that Batavia Downs would like to add more shows, but one step at a time.
He also said Batavia Downs will be working with the City and the Town to accommodate larger crowds. Last year, attendance was about 4,000 and this year the casino would like to attract 5,000 to 6,000 fans to the shows.
The concentration on classic rock and country is a conscious effort to bring in shows more appealing to older music fans, Wojtaszek said.
"They are the patrons coming into Batavia Downs and we wanted to provide them with the entertainment they’re looking for at a reasonable cost," Wojtaszek said.
Tickets for the shows will be $10 each.
Batavia Downs is hosting several other events this year sure to bring people from throughout the region to Genesee County.
There will be professional wrestling Feb. 24, a Whiskyfest in June, a Mixed Martial Arts event during the summer, plus Batavia Downs is in the midst of a $4 million capital improvement project that includes opening a cigar lounge, expanding 34 Rush sports bar, Fortune's Restaurant, and the conference center.
"There’s a lot of demand to have things here and it’s amazing to see the response we get to the events we do have," Wojtaszek said. "It’s a perfect location, right between Buffalo and Rochester and we're even getting people here from as far as Syracuse."
